Jennie Latzer Kaeser, daughter of Louis Latzer who founded Pet Milk, graduated from Highland High School in 1896. She attended the University of Illinois, and received a Bachelor of Arts in 1900 and a Master of Arts in 1901. Mrs. Kaeser received an Honorary Degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 1970.

Upon her father’s passing, Jennie and her siblings donated funds for establishing the Latzer Library, which was dedicated in 1929. She served many years as the President of the Library Board and later donated the Jennie Kaeser Children’s Library. She also established the Jennie Kaeser Library Endowment Fund and the Rare Books Room at SIUE. Mrs. Kaeser wrote a book and translated 2 German books at the age of 92.

She was a lifelong supporter of education and financially assisted many local youth with their education. Known area-wide as a philanthropist, she helped the following higher education institutions: University of Illinois, Greenville College, McKendree University and SIUE. Additionally, she set up the Kaeser Trust to provide funder for K-8 initiatives at Highland Community Schools. Jennie was a member of First Congregational Church and was a Charter Member of the Highland Women’s Club. She was also a Past President of the Highland Historical Society. Her honors include Rotary’s Paul Harris Fellow award and the Highland Jaycee’s Outstanding Citizen. Highland and educational institutions are better places thanks to Jennie Latzer Kaeser’s generosity.